GUNNEDAH cricket has taken a major step forward thanks to the opening of a brand new set of practice nets at Kitchener Park.
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After months of work by volunteers from both the senior and junior cricket associations the nets were unveiled on Friday night with the help of a special guest.
Australian test vice-captain and Bendemeer native Josh Hazlewood was on hand to pass on his wisdom to the throng of young locals and be the first bowler to use the nets.
"It's great to be able to come back and have some fun with the kids," Hazlewood told the Leader.
"I know growing up in the region it wasn't too often we got to see any Australian cricketers come for things like this.
"So to be back now and to see all the smiles is really special."
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Hazlewood said the building of new nets would be a major boost for Gunnedah.
"Facilities and equipment are probably the two big things in cricket," he said.
"So to see these nets installed to give these kids somewhere to train, play and get better is very important."
During the visit, local kids were able to get some first hand tips from the man affectionately known as the Bendemeer Bullet.
"Pretty much mate the one thing I think I've passed onto these kids is to enjoy the game," Hazlewood said.
"There all still pretty young and are playing for the fun of it.
"You can loose that a bit sometimes when you are playing professionally so it is good to see the kids out here and enjoying the game."
Gunnedah District Cricket Association president Brad Gander said it was "phenomenal" to have Hazlewood in attendance.
"It has been unbelievable having Josh here today [Friday]," Gander said.
"Everything has worked out really well, from the timing of completing the nets to coincide with our T20 final, to having Josh in town for it.
"It really is unreal and I want to thank him for coming down here for the opening of the nets and I want to thank everyone who helped make these nets a reality.
"They have been a bit of a long-time coming and will make a big difference to cricket in our town going forward."
Returning from injury, Hazlewood will also don the whites for his former club Old Boys in Saturday's Tamworth District Cricket Association action.
"I'm really looking forward to it to be honest," Hazlewood said.
"I will only be able to bat, but I'm really looking forward to a hit and a chance to catch up with a few of the boys I used to play with.
"It will be good fun."